Library shows signs of progress on flood cleanup

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Just three months after devastating floods caused over $5 million in damages at the Louisville Free Public Library, progress in the cleanup is beginning to show.

The old heating and air conditioning system that was destroyed by flood waters was being replaced on Monday. Crews arrived early to use a crane to remove the old system, and install the brand new state of the art HVAC unit.

Had it not been for the city's flood insurance coverage on the library itself, this new heating and air system may not have been possible according to Assistant Director Melanie Lilly.

"Metro government, fortunately, has a very good insurance policy and we're going to be able to come back even better than before, so that I guess is the silver lining. This is probably one of the most expensive pieces of it, although we lost close to a million dollars in books so it was just overall a very devastating event."

Monday also brought good news for those job seekers who depend on the library's Job Shop. The shop, which has been closed since the Aug. 4 flooding, reopened in a new location on the library's second floor in the computer learning center.

People looking for work are finding that the Job Shop is an invaluable resource.

"You can come in and get help with just about anything you need as far as looking for a job", Lilly said. "We can help you [to] even learn how to use Microsoft Word if you need to write letters."

The Job Shop is free and open to the public at the Library's main branch at 4th and York. Hours are Monday through Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Although a lot of progress has been made in the cleanup, and the facilities are open to the public, Lilly says repairs to the elevator and electrical system are still under way and expected to be completed in early 2010.

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Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.

Here in the city that's home to "University-6," as the University of Louisville is identified in a federal criminal complaint filed by the Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the feeling of devastation is exceeded only by anger and disbelief.